The number of people infected with Escherichia coli bacteria after eating at McDonald's continues to rise in the United States, with 75 cases now reported, U.S. health officials said Friday.
At least 22 people have been hospitalized, and 13 states are now affected, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said. Two people have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to severe kidney failure.
The number of deaths remains at one.
Of the 42 sick people interviewed, all said they had eaten at McDonald's, and 39 said they had eaten a hamburger.
The FDA is "using all available tools to confirm whether onions are the source of the outbreak," it said in a statement.
The investigation is continuing, but "Taylor Farms, the supplier of slivered onions to affected McDonald's restaurants, has initiated a voluntary recall," the agency said.
This supplier also has other customers, who have been notified, she added.
No cases have been reported to the FDA outside the United States.
Earlier this week, authorities had initially reported 49 cases.
A specific hamburger, called the "Quarter Pounder" in the United States, attracts attention.
McDonald's announced Tuesday that it was removing slivered onions from restaurants in the affected areas, as well as the Quarter Pounder "as a precautionary measure."
At least two lawsuits have already been filed on behalf of people who fell ill, the lawyer defending them, Ron Simon, told AFP. Each is seeking at least $50,000 in damages.
One of the infected people, Colorado resident Eric Stelly, went to McDonald's on Oct. 4 and began developing gastrointestinal symptoms two days later, a statement said. He had to go to the emergency room for treatment.
"The McDonald's E. coli outbreak will be one of the largest food poisoning outbreaks this year," said Ron Simon, who represents 25 people in total. "Through this lawsuit and others, we will ensure that all victims are fully compensated."
E. coli bacteria cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, usually lasting three to four days. Most people recover without treatment, but some people may develop complications.
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